Is there too much focus on starting new teams, and not enough on maintianing the old?

[Ashley Christine]

Alrite, This is something that was sort of brought to my attention in a conversation with someone. I dont have all the stats on teams who stay in FIRST and teams who have left FIRST, so feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

One of the main focuses of FIRST is starting new teams. Which is a super duper important deal. The rookie teams who are led in the right way catch the spirit right away... and if not then often in a second season they are hooked.
But what happens when everything gets old and becomes repetition?

How many teams were origionally in FIRST and how many of them have stayed? I know FIRST is growing, but are the teams with the experience and knowledge still around to help out the new guys?

It is VERY important to start new teams... but I think a new part of the "homework" should be maintaining old teams. And keeping the fun and spirit and excitement alive.

Yes, there are old teams that have been here forever and are still very into it. Which is awesome, but what about the teams who come love this program and fall out of it and issues come up? Shouldnt we be trying to motivate them to stay in FIRST?

I could be totally wrong on a lot of this, but this is what I have seen and how I view some of the things I have noticed in my first year.

What are your thoughts?